‘’Did you know?’’ and I must admit I did not, that, “there are more church Food Banks in the UK than McDonald’s outlets.’’ I know, I am a mind of useless information. The fact is one is free and the other creates much more packaging.
Can you help?St Peter’s Church Thurston is in URGENT need of an honorary treasurer. Is this a role you could fill? We believe there is someone out there who could help us.
In earlier articles I have told you when and how to prune shrubs, but this month I am going to tell you about a particular shrub group: the Viburnums.
is Happy Family gatherings. I have recently attended two such gatherings; they were delightful. One was an 80th birthday party. It was particularly happy as the birthday "girl" told us that she was born with a serious heart condition, and her life expectancy was 5-7 years. She had pioneering surgery and excellent care, hence the many years she has lived -- so far.
She and her husband invited the 60 close friends and family, she told us, to thank them for helping to make her life happy. Well, it made me tear up. I was not a even friend, but there as the after-dinner speaker. Well before the evening was over I was wishing I had been on the Friend List.
Everyone I talked to that night was full of praise for this lady, telling stories of her escapades. It was a wonderful occasion, and I drove home with a big smile on my face, but no fee. They had to "borrow" my pay envelope to pay the musicians, as someone had counted the monies incorrectly. I am still chuckling about that. I am certainly not worried that the money won't be paid. At 80, we should be allowed to make an occasional mistake, and not have it spoil anything.
The second celebration was for a 50th Wedding Anniversary. Again, delightful and very happy. This time I was honoured to be an Invited Friend. I knew many of the other guests and some of the family, as well. I moved around between groups of people, and chatted to many, catching up on news of those I had not seen for some time. We did not have assigned seats for our meal, so I sat at a large round table with a couple of friends. The other seats were taken by out-of-town family.
I truly enjoyed every minute of the next hour or so, listening to four cousins and their partners swapping stories of their growing up years. What could be better than that? The sheer joy and laughter was irresistible. They were very patient about answering my questions when I misunderstood a word or phrase, or got lost in the twists and turns of a tale. But I do think that my open admiration for their family upbringing egged them on more than a bit.
With glasses held high, we toasted our Hosts on their magnificent achievement. A Happy Family gathering indeed.
With love, Linda
St Peter ChurchWe know that St Peter’s is much loved with many residents having celebrated important milestones in their own lives or with loved ones and friends there. We know that it is also appreciated for its beauty but it is a very expensive building to maintain. So, do please come and join us at as many events/services as possible, maybe just to watch some of the fun ‘happenings’, you will be most welcome, and help us to enhance and preserve OUR church.
